THIEVES who took a car from a Darlington car park are thought to have left an almost identical stolen vehicle in its place.

A blue Vauxhall Nova, registered H 491 KDC, was taken from Morrisons car park at Morton Park between 6.40pm and 7.10pm on Monday.

But when the owners returned, they found an E-registered blue Nova in its place, with damage suggesting it had been stolen.

It is believed that second vehicle had been stolen from the Middlebrough area.

Anybody who has information about either theft should contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.